Cristiano Ronaldo's dramatic late goal to seal an epic Champions League comeback win for Manchester United should have come as no surprise.
Ronaldo's trademark header, to clinch a 3-2 win over Atalanta in front of a packed and spellbound Old Trafford, was his 137th Champions League goal from 179 games, a formidable record that is unlikely to ever be surpassed.
To put Ronaldo's goal return into context, he has plundered 15 more in European football's elite club competition than his great rival, Lionel Messi, and 62 more than Robert Lewandowski, who is third on the all-time scoring list.
Ronaldo has also lifted the Champions League trophy on five occasions, once with United and four times with Real Madrid, compared to Messi's four triumphs with Barcelona.
He may be 36, but Ronaldo, who has kept himself in supreme physical condition, continues to defy the ageing process, and has scored in all three of his Champions League appearances since returning to United, two of them winning goals.
After the game, Ronaldo showed his appetite for the game remains as strong as ever when he tweeted: “Yes! The Theatre Of Dreams is on fire! We are alive! We are Man United and we never give up! This is Old Trafford!”
A closer look at Ronaldo's Champions League goals shows just how remarkable his scoring record has been, since he made his debut in the competition, with United, back on October 1st, 2003.
His 137 goals have come in 91 different games, with one four-goal haul, seven hat-tricks, 29 doubles and 54 solitary strikes, proof of his unique ability to impose himself on games at the highest level by his formidable talent and sheer force of will.
Ronaldo's latest flourish was a timely response to his critics, with the forward having been questioned for his perceived poor work-rate and attitude.
Gary Neville criticised Ronaldo for walking straight down the tunnel after United's 1-0 defeat at home to Aston Villa, making his dismay clear for all to see, while his lack of pressing was highlighted in the wake of the Leicester loss.
But Ronaldo responded as only he can, with a goal of huge significance, the sixth time he has scored since returning to United, to provide his detractors with proof of his enduring class.
United skipper Harry Maguire paid tribute to Ronaldo for his ability to produce another match-winning goal for Solskjaer's team.
“I had eyes on it all the way,” said Maguire. “I was right behind him. His leap, his timing – it was a perfect header.
“I’ve seen it go right in the corner and I knew his timing, it’s always there – you see it day-in, day-out in training and with the goals that he’s scored throughout his career.
“He’s come up with a massive goal for us again in the Champions League.”
